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Harriet Tubman Emancipation Day Celebration

September 13 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm EDT

In-person Event | September 13, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. EST

Emancipation Day Celebration

Join us in commemorating the 176th anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s courageous choice to self-emancipate and embark on her journey with the Underground Railroad all day on Saturday, September 13. See full schedule below.

Saturday, September 13

Schedule of Events:

10 a.m.: Join Ranger Robin to explore the unseen African origins of the banjo and the festival music enslaved people made for it before the Civil War. Meet in the theater.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Visit Washington College’s Chesapeake Heartland’s African American Humanities Truck to learn more about the project and centuries of Black heritage in the region through The Commodore Collection and other exhibits.
11 a.m.: Experience an interactive hip hop-style book talk and signing with Caroline Brewer, author of Harriet Tubman, Force of Nature followed by a 2-mile musical walk through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge with Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center co-director and singer Linda Harris, and David Cole on banjo. Meet at the pavilion. Pre-register on the event page.
Noon: Join a Park Ranger for a guided tour of the Visitor Center Exhibit Hall.
Noon – 3 p.m.: Enjoy Traditional Children’s Games including marbles, mancala, jacks, and more in the Legacy Garden.
1 p.m.: A performance by Heart and Sole, a dynamic performing arts program that nurtures talent of youth in all areas of performance, acting, singing, drumming, and dance, while teaching essential life skills that build confidence, discipline and resilience. Meet at the pavilion.
2 p.m.: A captivating musical performance by Jayla Elise, the voice behind the Dorchester County anthem “Dorchester Dreams,” draws inspiration from the rich stories and traditions of the community. Meet at the pavilion.